eMalahleni has been plunged into grief following the fatal stabbing of a 40-year-old woman in Duvha Park.

Her employer, Storm Webber, found Goodness Mandlazi on October 30 after she failed to report for work.

“I went to her house and found her stabbed several times,” said a distraught Webber.

Emotions overwhelmed Webber as she recalled noticing a Bible beside Mandlazi’s bed while waiting for police to arrive at the scene.

Inside the Bible was a handwritten note from Mandlazi: ‘I want a happy relationship, a healthy life and a healthy marriage.’

Read more here eMalahleni shaken by wave of violent crime after three murders

Webber described the woman, who had worked for her as a domestic worker for the past five months, as ‘the gentlest person, overflowing with compassion’.

“Goodness used to dress up and she often said, ‘I don’t have to look like my problems’,” Webber said.

Family remembers ‘kindest heart’

Mandlazi’s sister, Zodwa Segaga, echoed Webber’s sentiments.

“Goodness took care of everyone. She once told me, ‘Sis, I can sleep on an empty stomach, but I will make sure you do not starve.’ She had the kindest heart,” Segaga said.

Segaga said the family is still waiting for the post-mortem to be concluded.

They hope to bury Mandlazi in Nkomazi this coming Saturday.

Read more here Police probe murder after woman found dead with stab wounds

Police arrested a man the following day, and he was scheduled to appear in the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Monday, November 2, in connection with the murder.

Court proceedings delayed

Witbank News attended court, but the docket was not ready by the time proceedings went into recess, with follow-ups underway to verify whether the appearance took place today, November 3.

The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, reiterated that gender-based violence and femicide remain a top priority for the SAPS, and that perpetrators of crimes against women and children will be dealt with decisively.

Mandlazi leaves two school-going sons behind.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said the man is facing a charge of murder.

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